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Ragab N, Bauer J, Botermann DS, Uhmann A, Hahn H. Oncogenic NRAS Accelerates Rhabdomyosarcoma Formation When Occurring within a Specific Time Frame during Tumor Development in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413377. [PMID: 34948179 PMCID: PMC8703790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Ptch+/- mouse model for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), we recently showed that oncogenic (onc) H-, K- or NRAS mutations do not influence tumor growth when induced at the advanced, full-blown tumor stage. However, when induced at the invisible ERMS precursor stage at 4 weeks of age, tumor development was enforced upon oncHRAS and oncKRAS but not by oncNRAS, which instead initiated tumor differentiation. These data indicate that oncRAS-associated processes differ from each other in dependency on the isoform and their occurrence during tumor development. Here, we investigated the outcome of oncNRAS induction at an earlier ERMS precursor stage at 2 weeks of age. In this setting, oncNRAS accelerates tumor growth because it significantly shortens the ERMS-free survival and increases the ERMS incidence. However, it does not seem to alter the differentiation of the tumors. It is also not involved in tumor initiation. Together, these data show that oncNRAS mutations can accelerate tumor growth when targeting immature ERMS precursors within a specific time window, in which the precursors are permissive to the mutation and show that oncNRAS-associated processes differ from each other in dependency on their occurrence during tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Heidi Hahn
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)551-3914010
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2
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Context-dependent modulation of aggressiveness of pediatric tumors by individual oncogenic RAS isoforms. Oncogene 2021; 40:4955-4966. [PMID: 34172934 PMCID: PMC8342309 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A prototypic pediatric cancer that frequently shows activation of RAS signaling is embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). ERMS also show aberrant Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling activity and can be driven by germline mutations in this pathway. We show, that in ERMS cell lines derived from sporadic tumors i.e. from tumors not caused by an inherited genetic variant, HH/GLI signaling plays a subordinate role, because oncogenic mutations in HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS (collectively named oncRAS) inhibit the main HH target GLI1 via the MEK/ERK-axis, but simultaneously increase proliferation and tumorigenicity. oncRAS also modulate expression of stem cell markers in an isoform- and context-dependent manner. In Hh-driven murine ERMS that are caused by a Patched mutation, oncHRAS and mainly oncKRAS accelerate tumor development, whereas oncNRAS induces a more differentiated phenotype. These features occur when the oncRAS mutations are induced at the ERMS precursor stage, but not when induced in already established tumors. Moreover, in contrast to what is seen in human cell lines, oncRAS mutations do not alter Hh signaling activity and marginally affect expression of stem cell markers. Together, all three oncRAS mutations seem to be advantageous for ERMS cell lines despite inhibition of HH signaling and isoform-specific modulation of stem cell markers. In contrast, oncRAS mutations do not inhibit Hh-signaling in Hh-driven ERMS. In this model, oncRAS mutations seem to be advantageous for specific ERMS populations that occur within a specific time window during ERMS development. In addition, this window may be different for individual oncRAS isoforms, at least in the mouse.
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3
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Pelullo M, Zema S, Nardozza F, Checquolo S, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β Pathways Impinge on Hedgehog Signaling Complexity: An Open Window on Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:711. [PMID: 31552081 PMCID: PMC6736567 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is associated with increased risk of developing several malignancies. The biological and pathogenic importance of Hh signaling emphasizes the need to control its action tightly, both physiologically and therapeutically. Evidence of crosstalk between Hh and other signaling pathways is reported in many tumor types. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the communication between Hh and major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which play critical roles in both embryonic and adult life. When these pathways are unbalanced, impaired crosstalk contributes to disease development. It is reported that more than one of these pathways are active in different type of tumors, at the same time. Therefore, starting from a plethora of stimuli that activate multiple signaling pathways, we describe the signals that preferentially converge on the Hh signaling cascade that influence its activity. Moreover, we highlight several connection points between Hh and Notch, Wnt, or TGF-β pathways, showing a reciprocal synergism that contributes to tumorigenesis, supporting a more malignant behavior by tumor cells, such as in leukemia and brain tumors. Understanding the importance of these molecular interlinking networks will provide a rational basis for combined anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pelullo
- Center of Life Nano Science Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zema
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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4
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Fleming JT, Brignola E, Chen L, Guo Y, Zhao S, Wang Q, Li B, Correa H, Ermilov AN, Dlugosz AA, Chiang C. Insight into the Etiology of Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcomas from a Novel Mouse Model. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1024-1035. [PMID: 30683671 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been linked to the formation of numerous cancer types, including the myogenic soft tissue sarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS). Here, we report PCG2, a novel mouse model in which human GLI2A, a constitutive activator of Hedgehog signaling, induced undifferentiated sarcomas that were phenotypically divergent from eRMS. Rather, sarcomas arising in PCG2 mice featured some characteristics that were reminiscent of Ewing sarcoma. Even though it is widely understood that Ewing sarcoma formation is driven by EWS-ETS gene fusions, a genetically defined mouse model is not well-established. While EWS-ETS gene fusions were not present in PCG2 sarcomas, precluding their designation as Ewing sarcoma, we did find that GLI2A induced expression of known EWS-ETS gene targets essential to Ewing pathogenesis, most notably, Nkx2.2. Moreover, we found that naïve mesenchymal progenitors originate tumors in PCG2 mice. Altogether, our work provides a novel genetic mouse model, which directly connects oncogenic Hedgehog activity to the etiology of undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas for the first time. IMPLICATIONS: The finding that activation of Gli2 transcription factor is sufficient to induce Ewing-like sarcomas provides a direct transformative role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily Brignola
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hernán Correa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexandre N Ermilov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
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5
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Ragab N, Viehweger F, Bauer J, Geyer N, Yang M, Seils A, Belharazem D, Brembeck FH, Schildhaus HU, Marx A, Hahn H, Simon-Keller K. Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Plays a Subordinate Role in Rhabdomyosarcomas. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:378. [PMID: 30568936 PMCID: PMC6290061 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of skeletal muscle from immature precursors is partially driven by canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling. Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are immature skeletal muscle-like, highly lethal cancers with a variably pronounced blockade of muscle differentiation. To investigate whether canonical β-catenin signaling in RMS is involved in differentiation and aggressiveness of RMS, we analyzed the effects of WNT3A and of a siRNA-mediated or pharmacologically induced β-catenin knock-down on proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of embryonal and alveolar RMS cell lines. While the canonical WNT pathway was maintained in all cell lines as shown by WNT3A induced AXIN expression, more distal steps including transcriptional activation of its key target genes were consistently impaired. In addition, activation or inhibition of canonical WNT/β-catenin only moderately affected proliferation, apoptosis or myodifferentiation of the RMS tumor cells and a conditional knockout of β-catenin in RMS of Ptch del/+ mice did not alter RMS incidence or multiplicity. Together our data indicates a subordinary role of the canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling for RMS proliferation, apoptosis or differentiation and thus aggressiveness of this malignant childhood tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Ragab
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Bauer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Natalie Geyer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mingya Yang
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Seils
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Djeda Belharazem
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Felix H Brembeck
- Tumor Biology and Signal Transduction, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katja Simon-Keller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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6
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Nitzki F, Tolosa EJ, Cuvelier N, Frommhold A, Salinas-Riester G, Johnsen SA, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Hahn H. Overexpression of mutant Ptch in rhabdomyosarcomas is associated with promoter hypomethylation and increased Gli1 and H3K4me3 occupancy. Oncotarget 2016; 6:9113-24. [PMID: 25823816 PMCID: PMC4496206 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with heterozygous loss of the tumor suppressor Patched1 (Ptch) develop rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)-like tumors. However, Ptch transcripts are consistently overexpressed in these tumors. We have recently shown that the upregulated transcripts are derived from the mutated Ptch allele thus leading to the hypothesis that the wild-type allele is repressed during RMS development. Here we describe epigenetic changes taking place at the Ptch locus during RMS development. We showed a lower degree of DNA-methylation in methylation-sensitive CpG regions of the Ptch promoter in RMS compared to normal muscle from heterozygous Ptch animals. In agreement with these results, treatment of heterozygous Ptch mice with the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) between embryonic days E9.5–E11.5 significantly accelerated RMS formation. Since Ptch promoter methylation occurs after/around E13.5, the window for RMS initiation during embryogenesis, these results provide additional evidence that Ptch promoter hypomethylation may contribute to RMS formation. We have also demonstrated increased trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and preferential binding of Gli1, a known Ptch activator, to the mutant locus in RMS. Together, these findings support an alternative model for RMS formation in heterozygous Ptch mice including loss of methylation and concomitant occupancy by activating histone marks of mutant Ptch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Nitzki
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ezequiel J Tolosa
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nicole Cuvelier
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anke Frommhold
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Hettmer S, Lin MM, Tchessalova D, Tortorici SJ, Castiglioni A, Desai T, Mao J, McMahon AP, Wagers AJ. Hedgehog-driven myogenic tumors recapitulate skeletal muscle cellular heterogeneity. Exp Cell Res 2016; 340:43-52. [PMID: 26460176 PMCID: PMC4718790 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation in R26-SmoM2;CAGGS-CreER mice, which carry a tamoxifen-inducible activated Smoothened allele (SmoM2), results in numerous microscopic tumor foci in mouse skeletal muscle. These tumors exhibit a highly differentiated myogenic phenotype and resemble human fetal rhabdomyomas. This study sought to apply previously established strategies to isolate lineally distinct populations of normal mouse myofiber-associated cells in order to examine cellular heterogeneity in SmoM2 tumors. We demonstrate that established SmoM2 tumors are composed of cells expressing myogenic, adipocytic and hematopoietic lineage markers and differentiation capacity. SmoM2 tumors thus recapitulate the phenotypic and functional hetereogeneity observed in normal mouse skeletal muscle. SmoM2 tumors also contain an expanded population of PAX7+ and MyoD+ satellite-like cells with extremely low clonogenic activity. Selective activation of Hh signaling in freshly isolated muscle satellite cells enhanced terminal myogenic differentiation without stimulating proliferation. Our findings support the conclusion that SmoM2 tumors represent an aberrant skeletal muscle state and demonstrate that, similar to normal muscle, myogenic tumors contain functionally distinct cell subsets, including cells lacking myogenic differentiation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michael M Lin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daria Tchessalova
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sara J Tortorici
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alessandra Castiglioni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tushar Desai
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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8
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Nitzki F, Cuvelier N, Dräger J, Schneider A, Braun T, Hahn H. Hedgehog/Patched-associated rhabdomyosarcoma formation from delta1-expressing mesodermal cells. Oncogene 2015; 35:2923-31. [PMID: 26387541 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. In children, the 2 major RMS subtypes are alveolar and embryonal RMS. Aberrant Hedgehog/Patched1 (Hh/Ptch) signaling is a hallmark of embryonal RMS. We demonstrate that mice carrying a Ptch mutation in mesodermal Delta1-expressing cells develop embryonal-like RMS at a similar rate as mice harboring a Ptch mutation in the germline or the brachury-expressing mesoderm. The tumor incidence decreases dramatically when Ptch is mutated in Myf5- or Pax3-expressing cells. No RMS develop from Myogenin/Mef2c-expressing cells. This suggests that Hh/Ptch-associated RMS are derived from Delta1-positive, Myf5-negative, Myogenin-negative and Pax3-negative mesodermal progenitors that can undergo myogenic differentiation but lack stable lineage commitment. Additional preliminary genetic data and data on mesodermal progenitors further imply an interplay of Hh/Ptch and Delta/Notch signaling activity during RMS initiation. In contrast, Wnt signals supposedly suppress RMS formation because RMS multiplicity decreases after inactivation of the Wnt-inhibitor Wif1. Finally, our results strongly suggest that the tumor-initiating event determines the lineage of RMS origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nitzki
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - N Cuvelier
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - J Dräger
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - A Schneider
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - T Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - H Hahn
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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9
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Gu D, Xie J. Non-Canonical Hh Signaling in Cancer-Current Understanding and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1684-98. [PMID: 26343727 PMCID: PMC4586790 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a major regulatory pathway for embryonic development and tissue patterning, hedgehog signaling is not active in most adult tissues, but is reactivated in a number of human cancer types. A major milestone in hedgehog signaling in cancer is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a smoothened inhibitor Vismodegib for treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Vismodegib can block ligand-mediated hedgehog signaling, but numerous additional clinical trials have failed to show significant improvements in cancer patients. Amounting evidence indicate that ligand-independent hedgehog signaling plays an essential role in cancer. Ligand-independent hedgehog signaling, also named non-canonical hedgehog signaling, generally is not sensitive to smoothened inhibitors. What we know about non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and how should we prevent its activation? In this review, we will summarize recent development of non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and will discuss potential ways to prevent this type of hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, 1044 W, Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Wells Center for Pediatrics Research, 1044 W, Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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10
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Satheesha S, Manzella G, Bovay A, Casanova EA, Bode PK, Belle R, Feuchtgruber S, Jaaks P, Dogan N, Koscielniak E, Schäfer BW. Targeting hedgehog signaling reduces self-renewal in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:2020-30. [PMID: 26189795 PMCID: PMC5399168 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment regimens for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric soft tissue cancer, rely on conventional chemotherapy, and although they show clinical benefit, there is a significant risk of adverse side effects and secondary tumors later in life. Therefore, identifying and targeting sub-populations with higher tumorigenic potential and self-renewing capacity would offer improved patient management strategies. Hedgehog signaling has been linked to the development of embryonal RMS (ERMS) through mouse genetics and rare human syndromes. However, activating mutations in this pathway in sporadic RMS are rare and therefore the contribution of hedgehog signaling to oncogenesis remains unclear. Here, we show by genetic loss- and gain-of-function experiments and the use of clinically relevant small molecule modulators that hedgehog signaling is important for controlling self-renewal of a subpopulation of RMS cells in vitro and tumor initiation in vivo. In addition, hedgehog activity altered chemoresistance, motility and differentiation status. The core stem cell gene NANOG was determined to be important for ERMS self-renewal, possibly acting downstream of hedgehog signaling. Crucially, evaluating the presence of a subpopulation of tumor-propagating cells in patient biopsies identified by GLI1 and NANOG expression had prognostic significance. Hence, this work identifies novel functional aspects of hedgehog signaling in ERMS, redefines the rationale for its targeting as means to control ERMS self-renewal and underscores the importance of studying functional tumor heterogeneity in pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Satheesha
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - G Manzella
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Bovay
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E A Casanova
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P K Bode
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Belle
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S Feuchtgruber
- Department of Oncology/Hematology/Immunology, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - P Jaaks
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Dogan
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E Koscielniak
- Department of Oncology/Hematology/Immunology, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - B W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Scott EM, Teixeira LBC, Flanders DJ, Dubielzig RR, McLellan GJ. Canine orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: a report of 18 cases. Vet Ophthalmol 2015; 19:130-7. [PMID: 25846977 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe clinical and pathological features of canine orbital rhabdomyosarcoma (COR). METHODS Retrospective review of patients with COR from the archives of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (1983-2014). RESULTS Eighteen cases of COR were identified, all diagnosed in an 8-year period (2006-2014). Affected dogs were typically young (range 1-8; median 2 years), and both sexes were equally represented. Common clinical signs included exophthalmos (16/18) with dorsolateral deviation of the globe (10/18) and elevation of the nictitans (12/18). Ultrasonography, performed in nine cases, revealed an orbital mass with mixed echogenicity and posterior globe indentation. Advanced imaging, performed in nine cases, demonstrated a soft tissue mass with variable contrast enhancement and lysis of the orbital bones (5/9). Histologically, all tumors were subclassified as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. All neoplasms demonstrated positive immunohistochemical labeling for desmin, and 14/18 were positive for skeletal muscle actin. Follow-up information was available for 15/18 cases. Older dogs, aged 6-8 years, had no clinical signs of recurrence or metastasis 8-13 months postdiagnosis (4/4). Most younger dogs (9/11), aged 1-4 years, were euthanized within 6 months (median 2.5 months) of diagnosis due to recurrence at the surgical site (5/9) and/or metastasis (5/9). CONCLUSIONS Canine orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly malignant neoplasm in juvenile dogs, but may be amenable to surgical resection in older dogs. This duality in biologic behavior may reflect differences in tissue of origin between juvenile onset tumors and adult onset tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Scott
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Leandro B C Teixeira
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | | | - Richard R Dubielzig
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Gillian J McLellan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
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12
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Jia Y, Wang Y, Xie J. The Hedgehog pathway: role in cell differentiation, polarity and proliferation. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:179-91. [PMID: 25559776 PMCID: PMC4630008 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is first described as a genetic mutation that has "spiked" phenotype in the cuticles of Drosophila in later 1970s. Since then, Hh signaling has been implicated in regulation of differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell population and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through discovery of genetic mutations of Hh receptor gene PTCH1 being responsible for Gorlin syndrome in 1996. It was later shown that Hh signaling is associated with many types of cancer, including skin, leukemia, lung, brain and gastrointestinal cancers. Another important milestone for the Hh research field is the FDA approval for the clinical use of Hh inhibitor Erivedge/Vismodegib for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. However, recent clinical trials of Hh signaling inhibitors in pancreatic, colon and ovarian cancer all failed, indicating a real need for further understanding of Hh signaling in cancer. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the Hh signaling mechanism and its role in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jia
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong, University, Jinan, China
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong, University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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13
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Huang HJ, Liu J, Hua H, Li SE, Zhao J, Yue S, Yu TT, Jin YC, Cheng SY. MiR-214 and N-ras regulatory loop suppresses rhabdomyosarcoma cell growth and xenograft tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2161-75. [PMID: 24811402 PMCID: PMC4039153 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a childhood malignant soft tissue cancer that is derived from myogenic progenitors trapped in a permanent mode of growth. Here, we report that miR-214 is markedly down-regulated in human RMS cell lines. Although not required for embryogenesis in mice, miR-214 suppresses mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) proliferation. When re-introduced into RD cells, a line of human embryonal RMS cells, miR-214 showed inhibition of tumor cell growth, induction of myogenic differentiation and apoptosis, as well as suppression of colony formation and xenograft tumorigenesis. We show that in the absence of miR-214, expression of proto-oncogene N-ras is markedly elevated in miR-214−/− MEFs, and manipulations of miR-214 levels using microRNA mimics or inhibitor in RD cells reciprocally altered N-ras expression. We further demonstrate that forced expression of N-ras from a cDNA that lacks its 3'-untranslated region neutralized the pro-myogenic and anti-proliferative activities of miR-214. Finally, we show that N-ras is a conserved target of miR-214 in its suppression of xenograft tumor growth, and N-ras expression is up-regulated in xenograft tumor models as well as actual human RMS tissue sections. Taken together, these data indicate that miR-214 is a bona fide suppressor of human RMS tumorigensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-jie Huang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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14
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Ianzano ML, Croci S, Nicoletti G, Palladini A, Landuzzi L, Grosso V, Ranieri D, Dall'Ora M, Santeramo I, Urbini M, De Giovanni C, Lollini PL, Nanni P. Tumor suppressor genes promote rhabdomyosarcoma progression in p53 heterozygous, HER-2/neu transgenic mice. Oncotarget 2014; 5:108-19. [PMID: 24334679 PMCID: PMC3960193 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human sarcomas arise suddenly, thus preempting the study of preneoplastic and early neoplastic lesions. To explore the natural history of these tumors we studied male mice carrying a heterozygous deletion of p53 and an activated HER-2/neu transgene (BALB-p53Neu mice), that develop urethral rhabdomyosarcomas with nearly full penetrance and early onset (4 months of age). Among genes prominently upregulated in preneoplastic tissue, and more highly expressed in tumors, we found the insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) and tumor suppressors, p19Arf and p21Cip1. In urethral tissues of male mice p53 was less expressed than in female mice, whereas HER-2/neu was more expressed, a combination not found in other skeletal muscles of the same mice that could contribute to the anatomic and sexual specificity of BALB-p53Neu rhabdomyosarcoma. Upregulation of p19Arf and p21Cip1 was additively determined by HER-2/neu activation and by p53 inactivation. Silencing of p19Arf or p21Cip1 in rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines can inhibit cell growth and motility, thus suggesting that these genes can contribute to growth autonomy and malignancy of tumor cells. In vivo injection of gene-silenced cells highlighted selective variations in organ-specific metastatic ability, indicating that overexpression of p19Arf and p21Cip1 controlled both tumor cell-intrinsic properties and microenvironmental interactions. The onset of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma in BALB-p53Neu male mice is triggered by the coincidental overexpression of HER-2/neu and hypoexpression of the residual p53 allele, that foster p53 loss, Igf2 autocriny and overexpression of p19Arf and p21Cip1, a phenotype that could provide novel potential targets for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna L Ianzano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna
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15
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Xie J, Bartels CM, Barton SW, Gu D. Targeting hedgehog signaling in cancer: research and clinical developments. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 6:1425-35. [PMID: 24143114 PMCID: PMC3797650 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s34678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its first description in Drosophila by Drs Nusslein-Volhard and Wieschaus in 1980, hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, tissue polarity, stem cell maintenance, and carcinogenesis. The first link of Hh signaling to cancer was established through studies of Gorlin syndrome in 1996 by two independent teams. Later, it was shown that Hh signaling may be involved in many types of cancer, including skin, leukemia, lung, brain, and gastrointestinal cancers. In early 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the clinical use of Hh inhibitor Erivedge/vismodegib for treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. With further investigation, it is possible to see more clinical applications of Hh signaling inhibitors. In this review, we will summarize major advances in the last 3 years in our understanding of Hh signaling activation in human cancer, and recent developments in preclinical and clinical studies using Hh signaling inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwu Xie
- Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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16
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Berstein LM. Cancer and heterogeneity of obesity: a potential contribution of brown fat. Future Oncol 2013; 8:1537-48. [PMID: 23231516 DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has lately been drawing additional attention as a potential cancer risk and, with some exceptions as a prognostic factor. As obesity is a complex issue characterized by different variants, mechanisms and manifestations, its role in cancer development is also a complex problem exceeding the basic fact of the fat content rising above certain limits. Therefore, in the present paper obesity is viewed as a heterogeneous entity, which has distinct connections with cancer pathogenesis. Among other issues, emphasis is made on the state of white and brown adipose tissue, in particular the association of specific brown fat features and the so-called white fat browning with the functions of normal and mutated tumor suppressor genes, such as PTEN and BRCA1. These connections are considered from the viewpoint implying the existence of two types of hormonal carcinogenesis and of hormonal mediation of the genetic predisposition to tumor development, and should be accounted for in prevention and treatment of both obesity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev M Berstein
- Laboratory of Oncoendocrinology, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, St. Petersburg 197758, Russia.
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17
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Sokolowski E, Turina CB, Kikuchi K, Langenau DM, Keller C. Proof-of-concept rare cancers in drug development: the case for rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncogene 2013; 33:1877-89. [PMID: 23665679 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases typically affect fewer than 200,000 patients annually, yet because thousands of rare diseases exist, the cumulative impact is millions of patients worldwide. Every form of childhood cancer qualifies as a rare disease-including the childhood muscle cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). The next few years promise to be an exceptionally good era of opportunity for public-private collaboration for rare and childhood cancers. Not only do certain governmental regulation advantages exist, but these advantages are being made permanent with special incentives for pediatric orphan drug-product development. Coupled with a growing understanding of sarcoma tumor biology, synergy with pharmaceutical muscle disease drug-development programs, and emerging publically available preclinical and clinical tools, the outlook for academic-community-industry partnerships in RMS drug development looks promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sokolowski
- Department of Student Affairs, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - C B Turina
- 1] Department of Student Affairs, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA [2] Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K Kikuchi
- Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - D M Langenau
- 1] Division of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA [2] Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Keller
- Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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18
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Caserto BG. A Comparative Review of Canine and Human Rhabdomyosarcoma With Emphasis on Classification and Pathogenesis. Vet Pathol 2013; 50:806-26. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985813476069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas are a diverse group of malignant mesenchymal neoplasms exhibiting variable levels of differentiation toward skeletal myocytes. Neoplastic cells may resemble relatively undifferentiated myoblasts, satellite cells, or more differentiated elongated spindle cells and multicellular myotubes. In veterinary medicine, classification into subtypes and variants is based on an outdated system derived from human pathology and is solely based on histologic characteristics. In contrast, classification of human rhabdomyosarcoma is based on histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular diagnostic techniques, and subclassification has clinical and prognostic relevance. Relevance of tumor subtyping has not been established in veterinary medicine. Recent discoveries of components of the molecular pathogenesis and genomes of human rhabdomyosarcomas have led to new diagnostic techniques and revisions of the human classification system. The current classification system in veterinary medicine is reviewed in light of these changes. Diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma using histopathology, electron microscopy, and the clinical aspects of human and canine rhabdomyosarcomas is compared. The clinical features and biologic behavior of canine rhabdomyosarcomas are compared with canine soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. G. Caserto
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ithaca, NY, USA
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19
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Pelczar P, Zibat A, van Dop WA, Heijmans J, Bleckmann A, Gruber W, Nitzki F, Uhmann A, Guijarro MV, Hernando E, Dittmann K, Wienands J, Dressel R, Wojnowski L, Binder C, Taguchi T, Beissbarth T, Hogendoorn PC, Antonescu CR, Rubin BP, Schulz-Schaeffer W, Aberger F, van den Brink GR, Hahn H. Inactivation of Patched1 in mice leads to development of gastrointestinal stromal-like tumors that express Pdgfrα but not kit. Gastroenterology 2013; 144:134-144.e6. [PMID: 23041331 PMCID: PMC4231777 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A fraction of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cells overexpress the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)A, although most overexpress KIT. It is not known if this is because these receptor tyrosine kinases have complementary oncogenic potential, or because of heterogeneity in the cellular origin of GIST. Little also is known about why Hedgehog (HH) signaling is activated in some GIST. HH binds to and inactivates the receptor protein patched homolog (PTCH). METHODS Ptch was conditionally inactivated in mice (to achieve constitutive HH signaling) using a Cre recombinase regulated by the lysozyme M promoter. Cre-expressing cells were traced using R26R-LacZ reporter mice. Tumors were characterized by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses. Cell transformation was assessed by soft agar assay. RESULTS Loss of Ptch from lysozyme M-expressing cells resulted in the development of tumors of GIST-like localization and histology; these were reduced when mice were given imatinib, a drug that targets KIT and PDGFRA. The Hh signaling pathway was activated in the tumor cells, and Pdgfrα, but not Kit, was overexpressed and activated. Lineage tracing revealed that Cre-expressing intestinal cells were Kit-negative. These cells sometimes expressed Pdgfrα and were located near Kit-positive interstitial cells of Cajal. In contrast to KIT, activation of PDGFRA increased anchorage-independent proliferation and was required for tumor formation in mice by cells with activated HH signaling. CONCLUSIONS Inactivation of Ptch in mice leads to formation of GIST-like tumors that express Pdgfrα, but not Kit. Activation of Pdgfrα signaling appears to facilitate tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Pelczar
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Arne Zibat
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Willemijn A. van Dop
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jarom Heijmans
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany,Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gruber
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Frauke Nitzki
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Uhmann
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria V. Guijarro
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Kai Dittmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wienands
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Binder
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Takahiro Taguchi
- Division of Human Health and Medical Science, Graduate School of Kuroshio Science, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Tim Beissbarth
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Brian P. Rubin
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute and Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, USA
| | | | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gijs R. van den Brink
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research and Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Simon-Keller K, Barth S, Vincent A, Marx A. Targeting the fetal acetylcholine receptor in rhabdomyosarcoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 17:127-38. [PMID: 23231343 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.734500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood and adolescence. Recent efforts to enhance overall survival of patients with clinically advanced RMS have failed and there is a demand for conceptually novel treatments. Immune therapeutic options targeting the fetal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (fnAChR), which is broadly expressed on RMS, are novel approaches to overcome the therapeutic resistance of RMS. Expression of the fnAChR is restricted to developing fetal muscles, some apparently dispensable ocular muscle fibers and thymic myoid cells. Therefore, after-birth fnAChR is a tumor-associated and almost tumor-specific antigen on RMS cells. AREAS COVERED This review gives an overview on nAChR function and expression pattern in RMS tumor cells, and deals with the immunological significance of fnAChR-expressing cells, including the risk of anti-nAChR autoimmunity as a potential side effect of fnAChR-directed immunotherapies. The article also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination strategies, immunotoxins and chimeric T cells targeting the fnAChR. EXPERT OPINION Finally, we suggest technical and biological strategies to improve the available immunotherapeutic tools including increasing the in vivo expression of the target fnAChR on RMS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Simon-Keller
- University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Institute of Pathology, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany.
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21
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Patched knockout mouse models of Basal cell carcinoma. J Skin Cancer 2012; 2012:907543. [PMID: 23024864 PMCID: PMC3449132 DOI: 10.1155/2012/907543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human tumor. Mutations in the hedgehog (HH) receptor Patched (PTCH) are the main cause of BCC. Due to their high and increasing incidence, BCC are becoming all the more important for the health care system. Adequate animal models are required for the improvement of current treatment strategies. A good model should reflect the situation in humans (i.e., BCC initiation due to Ptch mutations on an immunocompetent background) and should allow for (i) BCC induction at a defined time point, (ii) analysis of defined BCC stages, and (iii) induction of BCC in 100% of animals. In addition, it should be easy to handle. Here, we compare several currently existing conventional and conditional Ptch knockout mouse models for BCC and their potential use in preclinical research. In addition, we provide new data using conditional Ptchflox/flox mice and the K5-Cre-ERT+/− driver.
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22
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Kelleher FC, Cain JE, Healy JM, Watkins DN, Thomas DM. Prevailing importance of the hedgehog signaling pathway and the potential for treatment advancement in sarcoma. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 136:153-68. [PMID: 22906929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog signaling pathway is important in embryogenesis and post natal development. Constitutive activation of the pathway due to mutation of pathway components occurs in ~25% of medulloblastomas and also in basal cell carcinomas. In many other malignancies the therapeutic role for hedgehog inhibition though intriguing, based on preclinical data, is far from assured. Hedgehog inhibition is not an established part of the treatment paradigm of sarcoma but the scientific rationale for a possible benefit is compelling. In chondrosarcoma there is evidence of hedgehog pathway activation and an ontologic comparison between growth plate chondrocyte differentiation and different chondrosarcoma subtypes. Immunostaining epiphyseal growth plate for Indian hedgehog is particularly positive in the zone of pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes which correlates ontologically with conventional chondrosarcoma. In Ewing sarcoma/PNET tumors the Gli1 transcription factor is a direct target of the EWS-FLI1 oncoprotein present in 85% of cases. In many cases of rhabdomyosarcomas there is increased expression of Gli1 (Ragazzini et al., 2004). Additionally, a third of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas have loss of Chr.9q22 that encompasses the patched locus (Bridge et al., 2000). The potential to treat osteosarcoma by inhibition of Gli2 and the role of the pathway in ovarian fibromas and other connective tissue tumors is also discussed (Nagao et al., 2011; Hirotsu et al., 2010). Emergence of acquired secondary resistance to targeted therapeutics is an important issue that is also relevant to hedgehog inhibition. In this context secondary resistance of medulloblastomas to treatment with a smoothened antagonist in two tumor mouse models is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fergal C Kelleher
- Sarcoma Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 12 St. Andrew's Place, A'Beckitt Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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23
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Calcitriol inhibits hedgehog signaling and induces vitamin d receptor signaling and differentiation in the patched mouse model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:357040. [PMID: 22550417 PMCID: PMC3329653 DOI: 10.1155/2012/357040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is characteristic of the embryonal subtype (ERMS) and of fusion-negative alveolar RMS. In the mouse, ERMS-like tumors can be induced by mutations in the Hh receptor Patched1 (Ptch). As in humans these tumors show increased Hh pathway activity. Here we demonstrate that the treatment with the active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol, inhibits Hh signaling and proliferation of murine ERMS in vivo and in vitro. Concomitantly, calcitriol activates vitamin D receptor (Vdr) signaling and induces tumor differentiation. In addition, calcitriol inhibits ERMS growth in Ptch-mutant mice, which is, however, a rather late response. Taken together, our results suggest that exogenous supply of calcitriol could be beneficial in the treatment of RMS, especially in those which are associated with aberrant Hh signaling activity.
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